More Money Friday Roundup Earthquake Insurance Bank Contractions

More Money Friday Roundup Earthquake Insurance Bank Contractions Personal finance from around the Web: Here’s another way the rich are different from everybody else: The more money you have, the more options you have to avoid taxes. [TheStreet.com] The Chilean and Haitian earthquakes provided a powerful reminder of the devastation a tremor can cause. So why are 88% of insured homes in California not covered with an earthquake policy? Because the policies are really expensive. [Los Angeles Times] Congress has made a number of changes to available educational tax credits and deductions since last year. An expert offers answers some common questions about which tax programs apply to which educational expenses. [Bucks] Which states have jobs right now? Wyoming, Colorado and Louisiana, according to one analysis. But stay away from Michigan, Ohio and Missouri, where employment prospects are still bleak. Check out job growth prospects for all 50 states here. [The Daily Beast] Banks have been building branches like crazy for the past few years, but they’re finally starting to slow the pace. This year, the total number of retail branches in the United States will decline for the first time since at least 2002. [The Wall Street Journal] Follow MONEY on Twitter at http://twitter.com/money.